Myles Coverdale: The Man Behind the First Complete English Bible
Myles Coverdale, a prominent figure in the English Reformation, holds a significant place in history as the first person to translate and publish a complete Bible in English. His contributions helped to make Scripture accessible to the English-speaking world and played a crucial role in shaping religious thought during a period of monumental change in Europe.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1488 in Yorkshire, England, Myles Coverdale was educated in the religious traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. He studied at Cambridge University, where he was influenced by the emerging ideas of reformers such as Martin Luther and Erasmus. These scholars advocated for religious reform and emphasized the need for Scripture to be available to laypeople in their native languages — a concept that would shape Coverdale’s life’s work.
Coverdale was ordained as a priest in 1514, but his growing disillusionment with the Catholic Church’s practices, especially the lack of access to the Bible for common people, led him to join the Reformation movement. His association with key reformers such as Robert Barnes solidified his commitment to making the Scriptures available to all English speakers.
The First Complete English Bible
Although William Tyndale is often credited with the first translation of the Bible into English from the original Greek and Hebrew texts, it was Myles Coverdale who completed and printed the first complete Bible in English. In 1535, with Tyndale’s translation of the New Testament already in circulation, Coverdale took on the ambitious task of translating the entire Bible, both Old and New Testaments, into English. He worked primarily from Latin and German texts since he was not as skilled in Hebrew and Greek as Tyndale. Nevertheless, Coverdale’s translation was pivotal in ensuring that the whole of Scripture was available to English speakers.
Printed in Europe, Coverdale’s Bible was initially distributed in England under the protection of King Henry VIII, who had recently broken away from the Roman Catholic Church. However, this protection was inconsistent, and Coverdale faced many challenges, including periods of exile due to his reformatory views and translations.
The Coverdale Bible and Its Influence
Coverdale’s 1535 (October 4)Bible was not just a religious text but also a symbol of the shifting religious landscape in England. It helped lay the foundation for the English Reformation by giving people direct access to the Scriptures, allowing them to engage with religious teachings in ways that had previously been the exclusive domain of clergy. The Bible’s publication coincided with Henry VIII’s break from Rome and the establishment of the Church of England, making it a timely and revolutionary tool for religious and political change.
Although his translation was eventually overshadowed by later versions, such as the Geneva Bible and the King James Version, Coverdale’s Bible was a critical stepping stone. His translation also influenced the Great Bible, which was commissioned by Henry VIII in 1539 and became the first authorized version of the Bible in English to be read aloud in churches.
Later Life and Legacy
After the publication of his Bible, Coverdale continued to work as a scholar, translator, and preacher. He was involved in the production of other important religious texts, including the Psalms found in the Book of Common Prayer. Coverdale’s dedication to translating and making religious texts available was rooted in his deep conviction that the Bible should be accessible to all people, not just the educated elite.
During the reign of Queen Mary I, Coverdale, like many Protestant reformers, faced persecution and was forced into exile. He spent several years abroad before returning to England after Queen Elizabeth I ascended the throne, a period in which Protestantism was restored. Coverdale eventually became Bishop of Exeter, though his later years were marked by political and religious turmoil.
Myles Coverdale died in 1569, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a pioneer of English Bible translation. His work laid the groundwork for future translations and helped to democratize religious knowledge in England. The spirit of his mission — to make the Bible available in the vernacular for all people — endures today in the continuing tradition of Bible translation and accessibility.
Conclusion
Myles Coverdale’s contribution to religious history cannot be overstated. By producing the first complete Bible in English, he not only shaped the course of the English Reformation but also empowered everyday people to read and interpret the Scriptures for themselves. His work remains a testament to the power of translation and the enduring importance of making knowledge accessible to all.
